S1 Interface Connection Control for M2M Resource Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

In Machine to Machine (M2M) communication systems, there is a lack of clear principles for Evolved Node Base Stations (eNB) to determine when to switch User Equipment (UE) to an RRC_CONNECTED state or keep it in RRC_IDLE state, leading to inefficient resource management and potential unnecessary resource waste due to inconsistent air interface and S1 interface states.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves using S1 interface messages to convey indication information, such as end marker data packets and cached data status, to allow network elements to actively initiate S1 connection release or suspension, and release Evolved Radio Access Bearers (E-RABs), enabling more efficient management of UE states and resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the UE is kept in RRC_CONNECTED state after data transmission, then the connection can be maintained for potential future data exchange, but unnecessary resource waste occurs when no further data is expected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection availabilityVSAvoidresource waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network side sends indication information (such as RAI - Release Assistance Information) to provide feedback about data transmission status. This feedback enables the network to determine whether to maintain or release the connection, resolving the contradiction by making connection management decisions based on actual data needs rather than maintaining connections indefinitely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic connection management where the UE state (RRC_CONNECTED or RRC_IDLE) is not fixed but changes based on real-time conditions. The network can dynamically transition the UE between states using indication information and S1 interface messages, allowing the system to adapt connection maintenance to actual requirements rather than following a static protocol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the air interface and S1 interface states are managed independently, then each interface can be optimized separately, but inconsistent states lead to resource management inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface optimization flexibilityVSAvoidresource management efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the management of air interface and S1 interface states by establishing coordinated control mechanisms. The indication information exchanged between network elements ensures that both interfaces are managed in a consistent manner, combining their control rather than treating them independently, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary elements (indication information, S1-AP messages) that mediate between the air interface and S1 interface management. These intermediaries carry state information and control decisions, ensuring consistency between the two interfaces while allowing each to maintain its own optimization characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the UE triggers random access to establish RRC connection for data transmission, then data can be sent immediately, but energy consumption increases compared to remaining in idle state

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidUE energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the network side prepare and send indication information in advance that guides the UE's behavior. Instead of the UE blindly transitioning to connected state for every data transmission, the preliminary indication information allows the UE to make informed decisions about state transitions, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining data transmission capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of UE state (RRC state) based on dynamic conditions rather than fixed behavior. The UE transitions between RRC_IDLE and RRC_CONNECTED states based on indication information and data requirements, allowing the system to optimize the balance between transmission speed and energy consumption by adjusting the state parameter dynamically rather than following a static protocol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11683848B2Connection control and service processing methods and devices

Publication Date: 2023.06.20 ZTE CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses a connection control method, which includes that: a first network element receives an Up Link (UL) S1 message used for establishing or resuming an S1 interface related to User Equipment (UE) from a second network element; and the first network element sends a Downlink (DL) S1 message to the second network element, the DL S1 message including at least one of first indication information and second indication information. The present disclosure also discloses a connection control method and device, a service processing method and device, a processor and a storage medium.